SP hunters

[unapologetic pedant]

21 hours ago, unapologetic pedant said:

They`re on the Loop PNG YouTube channel, although it`s a pretty blurry picture.

QRL should post something better and clearer within the next day or so.

The official QRL "highlights" are clearer, but certainly not better. They`ve left out most of the spectacular play in the Hunters` third try, just picking up the action from the following PTB.

This is often the way. The Leagues employ idiots who don`t understand RL to do their editing. It`s that bad, you could think you`re watching BBC coverage of RL sometimes.

[Pulga]

https://streamable.com/15fgi3

How about the pace on Solo Wane.

[Cumbrian Mackem]

43 minutes ago, Pulga said:

https://streamable.com/15fgi3

How about the pace on Solo Wane.

Got a set of wheels on him has old solo

Think he’s a rookie for the hunters but players like Bire, brown and wapi have been getting big wraps. Hopefully a few can pick up some train&trial contracts with NRL clubs next year.

[Gomersall]

http://www.pnghunters.com/store/

[UTK]

The Hunters managed to end the season with a strong win against the 4th placed Tweeds Seagulls, finishing 10th out of 14 with a record of 6 wins and 11 losses. I imagine after such a strong start the Hunters would likely be relatively disappointed with their final standing however when you consider the youth that has been blooded, playing the season away from home and the adversity suffered during the season there are plenty of positive signs for the future.  

For those who may not have seen the news, one of the Hunters' best young prospects Jokadi Bire suffered a medical episode mid-season during a training session which resulted in him undergoing serious heart surgery. Bire is now expected to live a full life however doctors have informed him his RL career is unfortunately over.

Throughout the season I'd estimate I watched around half of their games in full, from that sample size if I had to pick 5 that NRL clubs should be looking at they would be:

1. Edwin Ipape (Utility): Famous for breaking open GB just before half-time in 2019, he had a train and trial deal with Manly but got injured in their first trial game and ended up back in PNG. Covers every position in the spine as well as lock so he's built in the perfect mould for the modern day 14. Constant threat with the ball as an extremely elusive runner who can also put teammates through gaps, handles defence in the middle well.
2. Epel Kapinias (Prop/2RF): Completing his second full season for the Hunters he played the majority of his games at Prop before moving to the edge to finish the season. Has a massive motor, getting through high loads of both defensive and attacking work while averaging around 70mins per game playing at Prop early in the season. QRL has him down as being only 23 and his biggest upside compared to most of his teammate is his size, while most of the team are below 6ft tall Kapinias is listed as being 6'1 and therefore there's no question about size constraints preventing him from taking the next step.
3. Emmanuel Waine (Centre/2RF/Lock): 24 years old and playing his first full season in QCup, Waine would have to be the most raw physical talent in the side. Supposedly the fastest in the side over 40m, Waine recorded 46 tackle breaks across 16 games despite receiving varying minutes off the bench throughout the season before finishing the season in the centres. Has defensive issues to iron out in hitting and sticking with tackles but there's physical talent there that will no doubt entice NRL coaches.
4. Solo Wane (Wing): Took a while to get a consistent start in the side due to the good form of established wingers Gotuno and Rau but he quickly took his chances as they came, finishing the season as the Hunters top tryscorer with 9 tries in 9 games. Demonstrated blistering speed and finishing ability in a few highlight reel specials he served up throughout the season and finished strongly with 6 tries in his last 4 games.
5. Judah Rimbu (Half/Hooker/Fullback): Youngest player in the side at 19 who is primarily a Halfback but spent time at Hooker and Fullback throughout the season. Displays that typical livewire/chance your arm PNG style of footy that is very entertaining to watch, played five-eighth in the winning Hela Wigmen 2020 Digicel Cup GF side. Was praised by the coach as not being afraid to order the senior players around despite his lack of experience. Saved his best game for last, notching a couple of very classy try assists from fullback and easily topping the run metres for the game. Not the full package yet, but shows all the right signs for such a young talent.

Unfortunately for Jokadi Bire he would've undoubtedly been on that list and was receiving significant recognition of his talents prior to his episode. Wartovo Puara Jnr (who spent time at Barrow) deserves to be on the list based on talent however I've left him out due to his age as I'd say he's missed the NRL boat now.